User reviews

Heretic is as unpredictable as it is messy. While the film keeps you on edge for most of its runtime, the plot begins to fizzle out in the final act.

Hugh Grant delivers a standout performance, with Sophie Thatcher and Cloe East also shining in their roles. The director, cinematographer, and set designer deserve credit too, as they gradually immerse you into the growing madness of Grant's character and his eerie home.

Unfortunately, the plot is the film's weakest point. The tension and mystery build beautifully at first, but around the two-thirds mark, it starts to unravel. The climax left me slightly underwhelmed, as I was expecting something more profound. Still, 'Heretic' is an excellent horror film in its own right - enjoyable, but not quite as memorable as I had hoped.

Hugh Grant ventures into the dense world of theological debate, tackling themes rarely covered on mainstream film. The film is undeniably intriguing, pulling viewers into complex discussions that feel both timeless and urgent. Yet, as I watched, I found myself grappling with an elusive question: was The Heretic a compelling film or merely an ambitious attempt that fell short?

Grant's performance is engaging, but there's an intangible quality missing, something that keeps the movie from fully resonating. Perhaps it's Grant himself, who doesn't quite shed his familiar charm to embody a character steeped in philosophical conflict. Alternatively, it might be the script, which seems torn between delivering an engaging story with a profound message and indulgent lecture through Grant as the medium. This identity crisis leaves the film feeling somewhat ungrounded, making The Heretic a fascinating watch but ultimately difficult to categorise as either wholly successful or lacking.

The supporting cast did an excellent job in quite difficult roles for them to play alongside Grant as the lead.

What the hell is Hugh doing here? Hugh doesn't belong here...

Or maybe, just maybe, Hugh does belong here! Maybe horror is Hugh's true calling, and did he waste 30 years of his career on romantic comedies! That's an exaggeration, of course, and I still love most of his silly rom coms. Fact is, though, that Hugh Grant gives away a perplexing performance as the disturbing and terrifying villain in "Heretic".

There's a lot more about Scott Beck & Bryan Wood's "Heretic" that deserves praise and attention! I didn't expect a horror script full of theological enquiries and debates, and I most certainly didn't expect that I would be so fascinated by the subject! Perhaps it's purely thanks to Hugh Grant's uncanny charisma as Mr. Reed, and the way he intimidates and petrifies two innocent young Mormon girls that show up on his doorstep, but the more talkative "Heretic" became, the more I loved it. Reed is like an eloquent big bad wolf, preying on two cherubic but naïve Little Red Riding Hoods. It's an absorbing thriller spectacle that keeps you gazing at the screen with amazement for half the film. And you know what's most intriguing? Many things Reed says about various aspects of religion make total sense!

When "Sisters" Barnes and Paxton are lured into Reed's eerie basement, "Heretic" maneuvers into more familiar and grotesque territory. Theory is put into practice and verbal terror turns into physical horror, which somehow makes the film less unique. Some action was necessary, I reckon, and luckily "Heretic" remains entertaining and suspenseful throughout.

PS: the link with Radiohead's "Creep" in the first couple of lines isn't coincidental. The film makes great use of the brilliant song, as well as of "The Air that I Breath" by The Hollies.

"Very thought provoking", I thought to myself, at least 15 minutes into the movie. Heretic came from out of the blue, which shows how much my awareness has been with the movie industry lately. Needless to say, we went to see it on opening night, just to get out of the house.

There's definitely some good acting going on here, but I cannot say enough about Hugh Grant. He's outstanding and handled this role with deft. The unpredictability and suspense had me on the edge of my seat. I've never been much for these type films until now. Believe me, Heretic was well written and quite intriguing. You don't want to miss it.

If like me you watched this movie because you wanted to see Hugh Grant play a creepy villain, then you won't be disappointed.

Heretic is the story of 2 young Mormons visiting the house of Mr Reed, Played by Hugh Grant. However, things aren't what they seem.

Out the gate, you meet the 2 Mormon's, Sister Barnes played by Sophie Thatcher and Sister Paxton player by Chloe East. For me personally, I came into this movie for the Hugh Grant show, but these 2 actresses held their own and both gave a great performance. With this movie only really consisting of 3 characters, it's important that 2/3rds of the cast deliver, and they did! Sophie Thatcher's character, Sister Barnes, I'd say is the more in-depth of the 2 Mormons and is the more experienced of the 2. Chloe East's character, Sister Paxton, who is the newer missionary who feels like more of a believer than her counterpart and is eager to convert and spread the word of God. Both their performances mainly consist of being terrified of Mr Reed and fortunately neither fall into the dumb protagonist trope.

Now for Mr Reed, played by Hugh Grant. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly how Hugh Grant plays this character so well. Because the way he acts isn't innately creepy or scary in any way. It's more of a case of context that makes Mr Reed creepy. The way he delivers his dialogue is so calm and, in a way, like he's giving a lecture. Which he is. He's trying to educate and enlighten the 2 Mormons. The way Mr Reed gave me the ick was the way he's condescending and speaks down to you. That and the fact we're in a strange spooky house, where the lights are on a timer and the ceiling is dripping. Mr Reed just feels off!

Above I mentioned the dialogue. Writers/Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods wrote Heretic beautifully. Giving each character their own identity through their dialogue. Heretic had great cinematography with effective use of close ups and panning shots.

Sounds design was simple yet effective. The sound of creaking floorboards, drips, and old metallic locks and doors really punctuated the idea of this being an old rustic house.

Now this is a spoiler free review, so I'm not going to discuss this part too much, but one aspect of the movie I wish they'd explore more of was the idea of the labyrinth. The figurines and the model labyrinth are featured in the poster and the movie trailer but aren't all that important in the movie. So, if you were expecting a horror like labyrinth movie, then I'd be disappointed. That being said, the set was quite minimal, not much to really discuss. But what was there was simple and effective.

The key theme of Heretic is religion and belief. This movie does a great job at showing both sides of the coin without feeling like it's favouring or attacking one opinion over another. It managed that balancing act well, which is important, as to not feel like it's attacking its audience's point of views or believes.

I will say that I didn't think the movie was that scary. That doesn't bother me much, but it was released around Halloween and was advertised to be a horror movie, so that may affect your enjoyment of the movie, depending on what you were expecting. I'd say it leans more into the thriller mystery elements, which is more my cup of tea.

Overall, I enjoyed Heretic. Didn't feel too long and went at a brisk pace.

Founded in 2012, production and distribution company A24 has become synonymous with quality. Generally, if a film or TV show bares the A24 logo, it is worth watching, and probably made by an auteur. The likes of Jonathan Glazer, Denis Villeneuve and Sofia Coppola have partnered with the company, to brilliant results. A24 is also now associated with- what some refer to as- "elevated horror," which, despite the pretentious title, basically refers to a horror movie that's actually good.

From Robert Eggers' 'The Witch' and 'The Lighthouse,' to Ari Aster's 'Midsommar' and Alex Garland's 'Men', A24 has consistently delivered original horror films that don't just scare, but explore deeper themes, evoking a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. Their latest horror offering, 'Heretic,' follows two Mormon missionaries, Sisters Barnes and Paxton, who find themselves in mortal danger after visiting the home of Mr. Reed, a reclusive Englishman. Does it live up to the A24 standard?

For the most part, it does. Written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, 'Heretic' is a suspenseful exploration of faith, fear and the unknown. An unsettling, sinister atmosphere is fostered for the first two acts, and one is unsure in what direction proceedings are heading. It's also got a little bit of dark-humour, mainly in the demeanour and dialogue of the Reed character; whose good nature and charm mask a hidden darkness.

Moreover, Reed's monologues about religion raise genuinely interesting points, exploring the conflicts between faith and doubt, and the struggle to reconcile belief with the harsh realities of the world. His comparisons between religion, boardgames and popular music are especially provocative, challenging the protagonists- as well as the audience- to reflect on their own beliefs and the societal structures surrounding them.

The narrative engages throughout, though loses steam in the third act, where things boil down to a predictable riff on classic horror tropes. While the initial buildup is masterful, the resolution feels somewhat rushed and less impactful compared to the film's earlier intricacies. This slight dip in momentum, however, doesn't overshadow the film's overall success.

Visually, 'Heretic' is stunning. Chung-hoon Chung's haunting cinematography ably captures the eerie isolation of Reed's home, creating an atmosphere that is both beautiful and eerie. Chung's use of extreme-close-ups heightens the film's ominous atmosphere, as does his utilisation of light and shadow. Furthermore, Philip Messina's intricate production design is arresting; the contrasting interiors of Reed's home being highly impressive artistically, while also speaking to the development of Reed as a character.

Initially, Reed's house appears quaint and unremarkable, much like the man himself. As the plot progresses and the Sisters venture further into his home, it undergoes a metamorphosis, becoming grander and more imposing, before sinking into base seediness. This transformation not only serves to heighten the tension but also symbolizes the unveiling of Reed's true nature; a canny piece of visual storytelling.

In addition, Chris Bacon's original score enhances the film's ominous tone, keeping viewers on edge, while he makes clever use of music from the likes of The Hollies and Radiohead, with the latter's 'Creep' being used to particularly strong effect. It is also a well-edited picture, rocketing along at a brisk pace (and feeling a lot shorter than an hour and fifty minutes).

Hugh Grant stars as Reed, and has arguably never been better. The character is a far cry from the charismatic rom-com heroes he's best known for, and he seems to really enjoy playing such a creep. Although over the last few years he has played quite a few villains- from a cannibal in 'Cloud Atlas' to a billionaire arms dealer in 'Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre'- few have been as calculating and as cruel as Reed. With a mischievous, menacing twinkle in his eye, Grant steals every scene.

Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher star opposite him as Sisters Paxton and Barnes, respectfully. East, as the uncertain, sheepish Paxton, is terrific, believably portraying her evolution over the course of the film. Thatcher is similarly good as the more assertive, self-assured Barnes, and the two share a believable chemistry.

In conclusion, despite the narrative losing steam in the third act, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods' 'Heretic' is another fine film flying under the A24 banner. Combining terror with thought-provoking themes, it stands as a memorable addition to the pantheon of so-called "elevated horror". Visually and auditorily striking, and with a marvellously macabre Hugh Grant at its centre, 'Heretic' is something of a revelation.

I saw seven films at this year's TIFF, and the one that got my vote for best picture was HERETIC starring Hugh Grant (who also would have gotten my vote for best actor if that was a voting category). I was very impressed seeing him get in touch with his dark side in the HBO miniseries THE UNDOING, but here he takes it to 11 playing an affable, religion-obsessed psychopath. It's a break from his rom-com persona of schizophrenic proportions.

Co-stars Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East are also excellent playing two Mormon missionary girls who think that they will be calling on someone interested in converting to Mormonism. But Grant turns out to be far more erudite - and questioning -- about religion than they expected. When they realize that he's not really interested in converting but more in debating religion, they try to depart but discover that they're trapped inside. So begins a cat and mouse game where Grant puts their faith to the test.

As horror goes, it's solid, but doesn't reach the extremes of similarly claustrophobic horror films like FUNNY GAMES (original) and SPEAK NO EVIL (2022 version). The outcome is refreshingly unconventional. My only cavil is that the choice of Mormonism for the religion seems a tad calculated.

In short, see this movie if you've ever enjoyed a Hugh Grant film and want to see him at the peak of his game. I haven't felt this sure about an acting Oscar nomination for a TIFF film since I saw Allison Janney in I TONYA in 2017

Side note: There was a Q & A after the film and several people commended me on the way out for a question I asked: "Was Richard Dawkins an influence?" Co-director Bryan Woods confirmed that he was.

In Heretic, Hugh Grant steps into the brooding shoes of Mr. Reed, delivering a performance that's nothing short of captivating. Grant's portrayal, layered with a quiet intensity, draws us into the mystery of Reed's character, skillfully weaving charm and menace. The dialogue is elegantly crafted, with a razor-sharp wit that is self-aware and relatable enough that you can imagine a similar dialogue (and maybe just as scary) happening after thanksgiving dinner between a few salty relatives. It's the kind of banter that delights as much as it disturbs, showing that screenwriters knew how to dance with words and really capitalize on Grant's electric everyman charm.

But, for me, they fumbled the choreography of the plot itself.

The atmosphere in Heretic is ripe with tension, a steadily simmering suspense that feels almost Hitchcockian (I'm being generous, but it's good). Yet, unlike Hitchcock's masterpieces, where each action feels inevitable, Reed's journey teeters precariously on the edge of believability, but never really lands there for me. While we're willing to suspend disbelief for a while, waiting to hear Reed's motivator, the film's premise ultimately strains under the weight of its own ambitions. Mr. Reed's improbable decisions-and the film's insistence that these are plausible-leave one questioning not only his motives but perhaps even the script's own coherence. It's as though the filmmakers were intent on building a labyrinth but forgot to place a satisfying prize at its center. Sure, the payoff leads to Reed's main point, philosophically, but his actions in the end seem so bizarre and unjustified by the plot that I was scratching my head trying to figure out why he didn't just start a skeptics YouTube channel and be done with it.

In the end, we're left with a hollow aftertaste, a sense of having been led to a precipice only to find the bridge unbuilt. While Grant's performance deserves commendation, even his talent can't fully bridge the gap between the film's fascinating setup and its underwhelming resolution.

And, without spoilers, the mild final nod to the OTHER possibility was a weak plot move that feels like throwing a bone to the losing philosophical side on the off chance you offended someone.

In sum, Heretic is a beautiful journey through the maze with Grant manhandling the role from start to finish, even if it leaves you feeling somewhat lost upon reaching its incomplete end.

If only the filmmakers had paid as much attention to plot structure as they did to Reed's impeccable, if confounding, choices, Heretic might have stood among this year's most memorable thrillers.

Whatever I think of THIS movie, I can't wait to see more Hugh Grant in the horror genre. That was a true joy. Also, honorable mention to the two leading ladies who played well off of each other. This movie was never held back by the cast, that's for sure.

There will no doubt be some people who saw the trailer for Heretic and thought, "People being held against their will? I've seen that a hundred times now," but that's just the thin wrapping paper that covers this intricate puzzle box.

Enormous credit goes to the writers who played such a big part in making this film so refreshing. Rare is it that characters, who would be easy to be two dimensional, in a premise like this feel so human. From the way the discussions the missionaries have together, to the intricate details the viewer may have thought were ignored, it's all covered so well. Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East are excellent in their roles, being friends who outside of their faith, may not have forged a relationship at all, with their respective cynicism and naivety both being fleshed out. Unsurprisingly, Hugh Grant steals the show with his brilliant performance as a rational thinker who goes to irrational lengths. He's so disarming and so... Hugh Grant, that there are numerous times one can't help but smile, even as things take a turn for the worse, demonstrating how everyday monsters use their charm to do terrible things.

It also makes a nice change to feel genuinely tense and worried for the characters, instead of because you're expecting a jump scare. The atmosphere is superbly woven and its clever intricacies leave the viewer constantly wondering what's to come.

I was both surprised and disappointed by this. The first half was set up beautifully. A highly engrossing, suspenseful and edgy psychological mystery with a seemingly benevolent hermit inviting two green Mormon missionaries into his foreboding home for a religious chat. The topic is refreshingly intellectual for the genre and is actually thrilling until you see what it is building to - standard horror cliche. High Grant gives by far his best ever performance, riffing on the easy going charm of his romantic screen persona until something far more sinister is revealed. The two Mormon characters though are very poorly written and behave both stupidly and inconsistently to how they have been established which makes the whole thing a lot less engaging. What initially is exciting becomes very unsatisfying as contrivances pile up. Still an interesting watch but only for the first hour.

1. Hugh Grant is a tour de force-God, I love that man! What a career he's had, and he's absolutely at the top of his game here.

2. The two female leads also deliver superb performances.

3. "Heretic" comes across as a watered-down version of the French horror classic Martyrs, one of my all-time favourite horror films.

4. As a cynical 💩 that I am I found myself surprisingly aligned with many of the film's controversial points (couldn't help but feel seen by Hugh Grant's character-didn't see that coming, haha).

5. I probably wouldn't recommend it if you're very religious...unless you're open to it?

6. The movie has some uneven pacing and falls flat in parts - cutting 20-30 minutes could have made a huge difference, as all the tension it builds up just starts to fade halfway through.

7. And the ending? So anticlimactic, I can't even!

8. Still a very worthwhile watch if you're a horror fan.

I'm not sure what I was expecting from Heretic, but it certainly wasn't deep theological discourse and intense religious diatribe courtesy of Hugh Grant. Not that I have a problem with that: when Grant's character, Mr. Reed, is challenging the doctrines of organised religion, the film is actually very engaging and frequently funny, the actor putting in a marvellously offbeat performance, Reed frequently making a lot of sense. Of course, this is a horror film, so even though a lot of what Grant's character says seems logical, the extremes he eventually goes to to prove his point are not at all reasonable.

Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher play Mormon missionaries who pay Mr. Reed a visit with the hope of converting him to their religion. Reed, however, has his own sinister agenda. What follows is an intense game of cat and mouse, the missionaries desperately trying to reason with their host while trying to find a way to escape from his home.

The film's strongest scenes are those in the first half of the film, in which Reed disquietingly questions the girls' beliefs while positing plausible alternatives - Grant is both affable and subtly menacing. Much of the first hour is simply conversation between Reed and the missionaries, and yet it is superbly unsettling, hinting at the man's craziness without going over the top. The latter half of the film is slightly less effective, visceral horror replacing the verbal dread, but it is still entertaining, and the film closes leaving the viewer with plenty of food for thought.

7/10.

Heretic is a movie about two young mormon girls who are on a mission to baptize people. One stormy night, their journey takes them to the house of a strange man who invites them in and begins to ask them questions that makes them question their faith. These questions start off as relatively harmless, but slowly become more sinister and eventually end up in a macabre game where the girls are forced to choose between belief and disbelief, and the answers they choose may cost them their lives - or worse.

The script for this movie is excellent. Most of the film is dialogue that builds into an edge of your seat battle of wits between the man and the two women. The theological questions about the origins of story and religion and faith is absolutely terrific. Especially since it is two relatively naive young women who believe versus an older man who has had a crisis of faith and gone in search of the deeper truth - and came back with answers that transformed him into something truly strange and terrifying.

Hugh Grant KILLS it in this film. Literally. He never gives the mustache twirling villain performance - he becomes a character I've never quite seen before in a movie. You can never quite put your finger on this guy - but he has gone in quest of answers and become so good at what he does that he has a power about him to control people - which is right out of the religious scriptures that he has been studying. He is like the Riddler from Batman - ever asking questions only he thinks he knows the answers to and the deeper you go into his lair the more danger you are in. Honestly, this is a Hannibal Lector or John Malkovich in Line of Fire level great performance of a villain. Oscar worthy.

The two young actresses in this film are also excellent. They play off Hugh in a way that shows their genuine feminine strength - intelligence, - creativity - and captures the innocent human drive to believe that despite all of the evidence to the contrary - something good must be out there and if we believe in it miracles can happen and good can overcome evil.

Heretic is definitely a superb psychological horror with terrific script, great performances, and hands down one of the best films of 2024.

The more you know, the less you know

The trailer for this was amazing, actual film in many ways is better than the trailer

All three main protagonist were incredibly well acted, the mis en scene made you feel suitably claustrophobic & it would make a great stage play

Religion & faith are the centre of the story and the filmmakers have crafted an incredible journey where you the audience feel you know more than the missionaries at times but there are many dead end in this mouse trap & you'll never fully understand what you're seeing. In one outing

As you know I don't do spoilers but there's so much symbolism in this film , gameplay of board games being the most obvious

Because you have a preconceived idea of the roles that Hugh Grant plays & the English accent make him sound so trusting but like the leaking roof you're being drip fed information as the film progresses

Well worth seeing if you like hitchcockian mystery thrillers

The music score was so fitting , it's all about belief

Pad. A 8/10.

In Heretic, Hugh Grant (Mr. Reed) gives one of the best performances of the year. He is very unnerving in this role and that alone is worth the price of admission to see. I hope this isn't a one and done for him because we need him in more horror movies, he is a natural. Sophie Thatcher (Sister Barnes) and Chloe East (Sister Paxton) give top notch performances as well. This is a very religious horror movie. It is a dialogue heavy film, which I personally enjoyed but some people might not. It doesn't rely on cheap jump scares because just Hugh talking in this film can send chills down your spine. Could've been better towards the end but this is still a solid entry into the genre.

I was lucky to catch the infamous blueberry pie advanced screening of Heretic (2024) in theaters this evening. The story follows two young Mormon missionaries who meet with a man interested in learning more about their faith after a previous encounter. As their conversation unfolds, the young women realize that the discussion is taking a dark turn, and they may be in serious danger.

Heretic is co-written and co-directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the team behind the horror gem 💎 Haunt. The cast includes Hugh Grant (Notting Hill), Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets), Chloe East (The Wolf of Snow Hollow), and Topher Grace (That '70s Show).

This film is intricately crafted, with elite writing and performances. Sophie Thatcher shines as an underrated, emerging scream queen, and her chemistry with Chloe East is spot-on. Hugh Grant delivers a chilling performance as a serial killer, meeting my high expectations. The dialogue is cleverly written, with lighthearted moments, including a surprising pornographic opener, as well as witty religious and Monopoly analogies that were fun. These smart touches add depth to the script and overall premise.

The horror elements are superb, using long, still shots that heighten tension and rely on reaction shots. Yet, the film doesn't shy away from gore, featuring intense slashes and kills that demand attention. The scenes with the religious "prophet" were visually impressive. The film's twist ending brings everything full circle, leaving a strong impact.

In conclusion, while Heretic isn't perfect, it offers plenty for horror enthusiasts to enjoy. I'd rate it 7.5/10 and strongly recommend it.

A24 once again strikes another good thriller/horror flick with a great sense of atmosphere, interesting concept, and strong performances from the entire cast. Filled with a good balance between some dark comedy and tension, the writing provides interesting themes and character dynamics that helps to establish the atmosphere surrounding them. Including some impressive camerawork and production designs despite being a more simple setting.

The performances are great, particularly Hugh Grant as he is wicked, hilarious, and creepy at the same time. Alongside some good dialogue, musical score, and direction throughout. The characters I found to be interesting, although I do wish some of the characters could have been a bit more explored at times. Including some certain choices with the narrative (especially the third act) that I thought could have been a bit better. But as a whole, A24 knocked it out of the park again.

I was disappointed with this film, but glad I went to see Hugh Grant. All 3 leads were suberb. Interesting idea, but the story made no sense and did not work for me as either a psychological or supernatural horror. I felt the underlying theme has been done too many times - "psychopath man imprisons two young women and tortures them psychologically and physically". It would have worked better if it had been two young men. I doubt Richard Dawkins will be encouraging Humanists to adopt this film to sell atheism. If anything, it made me respect religious beliefs more.

I was disappointed with this film, but glad I went to see Hugh Grant. All 3 leads were suberb.

Heretic by all means was fantastically made, and was one of the better horror/thriller movies that are being released these days. Although the movie had a strong start and middle act, towards the end of the movie and especially the ending itself was not at all what i would have hoped for a film of this nature. Given its introspective and theological tones and well written writing that gave the opportunity to question your own personal beliefs, I left the theatre disappointed because my questions had been answered and I had no need to question anything. Maybe that was the point who knows. 6/10.